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Hill County Extension Office Staff

Welcome to Hill County

 Hill County, home to 35,157 residents and comprised of 657,452 acres of land, is located in the Central Texas Blacklands, approximately 60 miles south of the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.  The first settlers of Hill County were attracted to its rolling prairie land because of the rich soil and abundance of timber and artesian wells.  With the arrival of the MKT railroad, Hillsboro  became a commercial cross- roads for Texas and by the turn of the century, Hill County was the second largest cotton producer in the state.

Agriculture still remains the leading industry today, with agricultural commodities sales averaging about $70,000,000 annually. Other than agriculture, Hill County is economically driven by light industry and retail outlets.

For over 100 years, Texas AgriLIFE Extension has been active in Hill County, seeking to respond to the community-based needs of the people and to provide quality outreach and educational programs to Hill County citizens. Hill County is home to 4 county extension agents that specialize in the areas of entomology, 4-H and youth development, family and consumer science, and agriculture and natural resources.  Extension work in Hill County centers around promoting and improving the health and well-being of county citizens, improving environmental stewardship, improving the economic competitiveness, viability and stability of the county, and promoting life skills and leadership in youth and adults in the county.

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                 Courthouse photo courtesy www.co.hill.tx.us

AgriLife Today

  • Stiles Farm celebrates 50 years of field days, education and research demonstrations
    Jun 19Stiles Farm celebrates 50 years of field days, education and research demonstrations

    Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu THRALL – Though the rain showers dampened the crops at the Stiles Farm Foundation, it didn’t deter 50th anniversary field day activities as several hundred agricultural producers gathered for tours to view the latest in farming practices and new technology. Farmers heard presentations on weed control management in crops, how [...]

  • Dry South Texas agriculture would cost $400 million, 5,000 jobs
    Jun 19Dry South Texas agriculture would cost $400 million, 5,000 jobs

    Texas Agriculture Commissioner cites analysis as ‘dire warning’ WESLACO  –  A total lack of irrigation water, whether by drought or international politics, would amount to agricultural losses in South Texas of almost $400 million annually and the loss of almost 5,000 jobs, according to an expert with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Obviously, irrigation [...]

  • Forage crop insurance deadline approaching
    Jun 19Forage crop insurance deadline approaching

    Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu Contact: DeDe Jones, 806-677-5600, DLJones@ag.tamu.edu AMARILLO – Livestock producers considering adding a layer of protection against drought loss on annual forage crops have an insurance deadline ahead, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist. The Rainfall Index – Annual Forage Insurance plan, referred to as RI-AF, is a [...]